New AI makes satellite data understandable – can speed up crisis decision-making
22.5.2026 08:00:00 CEST | Umeå University | Press Release
Large volumes of environmental data are collected today, but much of it remains unused. Now, Arka Ghosh at Umeå University has developed an AI solution that makes complex data from satellite images and weather maps directly usable for decision-makers.
The system, called Ontoraster, links each pixel in images to an intelligent network where data gains clear meaning and can be analysed together with other information. By combining knowledge graphs and AI, users can ask advanced questions and receive fast, comprehensible answers.
"It is an advanced AI solution that could be highly valuable for urban planners as well as crisis and emergency coordinators, says Arka Ghosh," PhD student at Umeå University.
The technology can, for example, identify risk areas during heatwaves or floods and thereby support faster and more accurate decisions. It also enables people without a technical background to use advanced data analysis.
"What previously required extensive manual analysis can now be done in seconds," says Arka Ghosh.
Link to longer article: https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-ai-solution-for-smarter-urban-and-climate-planning_12171718/
Link to the Doctoral thesis: https://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?language=en&pid=diva2%3A2045634&dswid=986
Images
Links
About us
Umeå University is a comprehensive university and one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with around 38,000 students and 4,600 staff. We have a diverse range of high-quality educational programmes and research within all disciplinary domains and the arts. The University offers world-class educational and research environments and helps expand knowledge of global significance. This is where the groundbreaking discovery was made of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is just around the corner. Our tightly knit campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and share knowledge, something that encourages a dynamic and open culture.
Subscribe to releases from Umeå University
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Umeå University by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Umeå University
New molecules can offer breakthrough in fight against antibiotic resistance19.5.2026 08:00:00 CEST | Press Release
Researchers at Umeå University together with international partners have developed a new class of compounds that can both eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce their ability to cause infection. The findings could, in the longer term, contribute to addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges – antibiotic resistance. The study is published in the journal Science Advances.
Sweden’s image abroad may influence democracy ahead of the election19.5.2026 07:47:00 CEST | Press Release
Sweden has long had a strong international reputation as an open, modern and democratic country. But that image is changing. Research from Umeå University shows how foreign political actors use the image of Sweden to advance their own ideological agendas, particularly on social media and in digital environments ahead of elections.
Bildmuseet opens the MFA exhibition from Umeå Academy of Fine Arts.5.5.2026 10:56:52 CEST | Press Release
Of Love and Care is the title of this year’s Master’s exhibition from Umeå Academy of Fine Arts at Umeå University. It will be unveiled during an Art Friday at Bildmuseet on 22 May, with talks, performances, tours, live music, DJ and bar. A media preview will be held on Wednesday, 20 May at 10:00 (RSVP). The artists will be there to talk about their work.
The protein that helps cancer cells survive treatment7.4.2026 08:00:00 CEST | Press Release
Researchers at Umeå University have contributed new insights into how cancer cells protect themselves from cell death. The study provides a deeper understanding of how key proteins interact within the cell and could, in the long term, support the development of new cancer therapies.
Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells12.3.2026 09:00:00 CET | Press Release
Researchers have developed a capsule-based method that makes it possible to analyse the same cell through multiple experimental steps. The technology overcomes a long-standing limitation in cell research and could open new ways to study disease mechanisms at the single-cell level.
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom